Overview
Witness a rare Antarctic solar eclipse while immersing yourself in the sights and sounds of the Gould Bay Emperor Penguin Colony.
In the early morning of December 4, 2021, experience 1 minute, 54 seconds of totality alongside this remote and special penguin colony. Located on the remote coast of the Weddell Sea, you’ll camp on the same sea ice where thousands of birds come to raise and feed their young. Photograph majestic emperors and their chicks against a spectacular backdrop of ice cliffs, pressure ridges, and icebergs. Spot petrels and seals amongst the endless white expanse. Fall asleep to a chorus of trumpeting calls and wake to find curious penguins outside your tent.
Our field camp will offer unparalleled viewing of this celestial phenomenon and the opportunity to observe the amazing adaptations emperors have undergone to survive the Antarctic environment.
Weather
The interior of Antarctica has a cold, dry, windy climate. Average mid-season temperatures at our base camp range from -12°F to 30°F (-24°C to -1°C ). On a sunny windless day it can feel quite warm but, when the wind blows, you will be glad of warm layers and a wind jacket. Temperatures can drop as low as -22°F (-30°C) in early November.
Weather at the Emperor rookery is highly variable and influenced by coastal systems. Temperatures range from -25°F (-32°C) to near 32°F (0°C) with sunny and overcast skies and the possibility of heavy snowstorms.
Activity Level
Moderate
Moderate trips offer adventure with a bit more challenge. They may include walking up to several miles/kilometres on uneven snow and ice; staying in remote field camps; extreme temperatures (–40°F / –40°C); activity at high altitudes (11,000ft / 3350m); or skydiving from 13,000 ft AGL (15,300 ft AMSL) .
Inclusions
What's Included
- Airport transfers in Punta Arenas, Chile
- Round trip flight to Antarctica from Punta Arenas
- Round trip flight to Gould Bay Emperor Penguin Colony from Union Glacier, Antarctica
- Meals and tented accommodation in Antarctica
- Antarctic guides
- Celebration dinner and Certificate of Achievement
- Checked luggage up to 66 lb (30 kg)
What's Not Included
- Insurance coverage—personal, medical,evacuation, or otherwise
- Commercial flights to and from Punta Arenas
- Airport transfers outside of Punta Arenas
- Meals and accommodation in Punta Arenas
- Additional flights within Antarctica
- Personal equipment and clothing
- Expenses incurred due to delays
- Luggage over 66 lb (30 kg)
- Satellite phone charges
12 Days
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Arrival Day: Punta Arenas, Chile
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Pre-departure Day: Luggage Pick-Up & Briefing
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Day 1: Fly to Antarctica
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Day 2-4: Explore Union Glacier
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Day 5: Fly to Emperor Colony
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Day 6-9: Live with the Emperors
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Watch the Solar Eclipse
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Day 10: Return to Union Glacier
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Day 11: Explore Union Glacier
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Day 12: Return to Chile
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Flexible Departure Day: Fly Home
*Subject to change based on weather and flight conditions.
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Resources
We reserve the right to revise our prices in the event of significant changes in the price of aviation kerosene and aircraft charter rates.
